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An interesting piece of news from the US – The Harvard Health Blog reflects on an outbreak of Mycobacterium bacteria linked to tattoos.

Safe Post-Tattoo Protocol

Best practice post your tattoo treatment is as follows

After a tattoo session is over, take off the bandage within three to five hours. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water, then wash the tattooed skin. Pat dry with a paper towel or clean cloth towel.

Allow the skin to air dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Then apply a very thin layer of Vaseline, Aquaphor, or other ointment.

Repeat the washing, drying, and moisturizing process three to four times a day for four days.

When the tattooed skin starts to shed a thin flaky layer of skin, do not scratch or pick at it. At this point you can switch to a moisturizer—don’t let your tattoo get dried out for the first few weeks.

Call your doctor—not the tattoo artist—if redness or swelling persists after a few days, you have a fever, or you notice a rash in or around the tattoo.